Three-strikes bill critics call for more analysis

Key lawmakers stand fast on penalty

Several key legislators said yesterday they are holding fast on a controversial three-strikes anticrime bill even as critics stepped up their campaign to press state lawmakers to change course on the measure.

“I haven’t talked to anyone who doesn’t believe in giving someone a second chance,’’ said state Senator Steven A. Baddour, a Democrat from Methuen who cosponsored the bipartisan habitual offender bill. “But when you talk about the most violent criminals, they don’t deserve a third chance.’’